A Brief Difference: Plastisol Ink vs Water Based Ink
There are different ways to print designs on clothes. However, screen printing continues to be everyone’s favorite as it produces durable and quality prints on fabric. But to maintain the quality of the print and the comfort of the fabric it is necessary to identify which ink to use, as it can impact the quality of the printing process and the product.
Plastisol and water based inks are the two main categories of inks utilized in the procedure. But is plastisol or water ink technology superior? We will examine the benefits and drawbacks of both inks in this extensive blog post and determine which is ideal for you.
A Brief Analysis of Plastisol Ink and Water-Based Ink
Plastisol Inks
These inks are a popular choice for most people. They are made by blending small PVC particles into a liquid plastic substance. These inks are flexible and durable and can be used to create any color. Here are its features:
- Better Color Vibrancy
These inks make the prints look more vibrant, especially when printed on a dark background. The ink sits on the top of the cloth and doesn’t amalgamate with the fabric. Water ink technology produces vibrant colors on light-shade apparel but not as vibrant as plastisol inks. If you want your prints to look more vibrant, then you should go for these types of inks.
- Better Color Accuracy
When you choose plastisol ink, you have more options for colors as it is very customizable, and you can create any color with it. These inks stick firmly to the fabric and create vibrant prints. It creates an opaque layer on the cloth for bright, fluorescent, and bold colors. So, whenever you need the exact shade of any color, you should opt for plastisol inks.
- More Durable
They create a durable print on the apparel that lasts long as these inks are permanently bonded with the surface. Besides this, these inks make the apparel look lively with their amazing color vibrancy.
Water Based Inks
Water based inks use water as their major solvent to carry pigmentation onto the substrate. These inks are made from acrylic resins or hybrid blends of acrylic resins and polyurethanes. Here are the features of water based inks:
- Eco Friendly
These inks are known for their low environmental effect, as they contain no harmful chemicals. Besides this, the ink doesn’t emit volatile organic compounds during the printing process. Which in turn reduces air pollution and makes a cleaner and healthier environment.
Choosing water-based ink is a greener and safer option as these don’t consist of harmful chemicals. Instead, these are free from chemicals and contain natural elements that are more environmentally friendly. Besides being water soluble, these don’t need harmful chemicals for the clean-up.
- Hand Feel and Comfort
These are highly permeable, and they get absorbed into the fabric fiber and create a soft and breathable print. The ink becomes part of the fabric, which makes it look natural on the cloth. In simple words, the ink’s ability to saturate within the fabric improves the overall breathability of the printed apparel and makes it more comfortable to wear.
- Print Quality and Durability
One cool thing about these types of inks is that it gives fantastic color coverage. Despite what some people might think, it can create bold and sharp colors on different fabrics. This means you can come up with lots of creative designs without sacrificing quality. Water ink technology provides outstanding print quality along with the durability of the cloth.
Summary : Plastisol Ink vs Water Based Ink
There are several elements to take into account when selecting the appropriate ink for a certain application. Which ink is the best match depends on a number of factors, including the kind of cloth, the complexity of the design, the printing technique, and the intended purpose.
These types of inks are recognized for its durability, opacity, and color brightness, whereas water based ink is noted for its comfort and environmental friendliness. The drying or curing process is another thing to think about.
Water based ink requires air-drying or heat curing, while Plastisol ink needs to be cured at high temperatures for a specific duration. Ultimately, the right ink for you depends on your unique needs, and it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional before making a final decision.
